Wednesday, December 12, 2012

BASS SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS, 4-string

I've noticed I get a lot of visitors here looking for info about bass scales. Here's some pages from "The Big Ol' (USEFUL) Book of Scales and Arpeggios," which covers all the major, minor and pentatonic scales, and all the arpeggios you're likely to ever need. Practicing scales in some kind of productive way is a huge stumbling block with students (and pros!), and so this is also addressed. There are also plenty of hints about putting it all to use in the real world. About 40 pages, available at my website, www.countjockula.com.

The first part, shown above, deals with the first five frets, and is laid out sort of like "The Segovia Scales." After this we get into moveable scale patterns and start charging up the neck.

Like I said, all the arpeggios you're likely to need.

There's a thorough examination of pentatonic scales, which start growing little curlicues, until....
 This is from the end of the book, where all the scales and arpeggios get put together and run from one end of the neck to the other. It's my standard pre-gig hand-and-brain warmup. Then as long as my heart and soul show up as well, I think I'm ready to make some music.